Right now, if you’re standing on Las Olas Boulevard, the current temperature in Fort Lauderdale is 67°F.
Honestly, that number is a bit of a lie. It feels like 76°F because of the way the South Florida humidity plays with the air. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and the sun is doing that "partly sunny" thing where it ducks behind a cloud just as you’ve gotten comfortable on your towel.
People think Florida is a monolith of heat, but January is weird. Today we’ve got a northeast wind at 7 mph, which is basically a gentle kiss from the Atlantic. But don't let the 67°F fool you; tonight it’s going to drop to a legitimately chilly 44°F. That is roughly 20 degrees colder than what most tourists pack for.
What’s Happening This Week?
If you’re planning your weekend, Saturday is looking a lot more like "vacation weather" with a high of 75°F, though it’ll be mostly cloudy. Sunday is the real winner, hitting 78°F. After that? A cold front swings through on Monday, dragging the high back down to 66°F.
Basically, the temperature in Fort Lauderdale right now is a moving target.
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You’ve probably seen those glossy brochures showing people in bikinis in the middle of winter. While the air temperature might hover in the 70s, the water temperature at Fort Lauderdale Beach is currently 76.1°F. That’s often warmer than the air at night. Surfers at 14th Street are actually seeing water temps around 77°F today. If you’re going in, you might want a rash vest if you’re sensitive to the wind, but the water itself is like a lukewarm bath.
The Humidity Factor and the "Real Feel"
The humidity is sitting at 56% right now. In August, that number would be a dream, but in January, it makes the 67°F feel quite crisp.
We talk about E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) in the travel world a lot, and here’s the expert take: most people look at the "Average High" and forget about the "Cold Front." South Florida doesn't really have four seasons; it has "The Wet" and "The Dry." We are in the dry season. Rainfall today is only a 4% chance.
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However, by next Thursday, January 22, the chance of rain spikes to 75%. If you’re visiting then, expect the temperature to stick around 76°F while you’re dodging showers.
Historical Context: Is This Normal?
Historically, January is the coldest month of the year here. The average high is usually 75°F and the average low is 62°F. Seeing a low of 44°F tonight is actually quite a bit below the norm.
- August: Hottest month, averaging 84°F.
- January: Coldest month, averaging 69°F.
- June: Wettest month, getting nearly 7.5 inches of rain.
If you’re coming from New York or Chicago, 67°F sounds like a heatwave. To a local, 67°F means the North Face jackets come out of storage.
Why the Temperature in Fort Lauderdale Matters for Your Gear
If you’re heading out today, a t-shirt is fine for the afternoon. But the 44°F low tonight is non-negotiable. You need a layer.
The UV index is currently at a 1, which is low, but the daily forecast shows it hitting 4 later this week. You can still get a sunburn in January, especially with the reflection off the water. Trust me, I’ve seen enough "tomato-red" tourists at the Southport Raw Bar to know that the winter sun is deceptive.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
Check the wind direction before you hit the beach. Right now it’s coming from the northeast. That usually means some chop on the water. If you want calmer conditions, wait for Monday when the wind shifts to the North.
Keep an eye on the 10-day trend. We’re looking at a steady climb back into the upper 70s by next weekend. If you’re a budget traveler, this "chilly" snap is actually your best friend—crowds thin out slightly when the thermometer drops below 70, making it easier to snag a table at Coconuts or Casablanca Cafe.
Pack a light sweater for the evenings and a high-quality sunscreen for the midday sun. The Florida climate is temperamental in January, but even a "cold" day here beats a blizzard anywhere else.